Limerick City Council has begun legal action against a number of local businesses over alleged outstanding commercial rates – including against the company that operates the GAA ground in the city – the Irish Independent has learned.

It comes just weeks after Limerick city councillors approved a massive 15.8pc cut in rates for this year, to bring them into line with the neighbouring county council, ahead of the merger of the two local authorities in July.

The council is seeking summary judgement through the High Court against a number of companies, including Limerick Gaelic Grounds Limited. This is the first step to recover a debt.

His company did owe commercial rates, he said, but declined to say how much.

Supermac’s, against which a summary judgement is also being sought, claimed its outlet in Limerick did not owe rates and that it was fully paid up.

Legal action has also been initiated against Aubars/Paddy Frawley’s, a nightclub and pub in Limerick.

The Irish Independent understands the company was unaware of the action being taken by the council before papers were filed with the courts.

A spokesman for Limerick City Council confirmed that the cases are among a number initiated in relation to outstanding commercial rates, but said it would not comment on individual cases.

Limerick Gaelic Grounds provides a stadium for “recreation in sports and pastimes and in particular to promote the playing of hurling, football and other Gaelic sports”, according to accounts lodged with the Companies Office.

Its latest accounts, for the year to the end of October 2011, shows that its income increased to €221,908 due to an increase in the number of fixtures held in the grounds during the year.

The deficit for the year of €252,492 was in line with expectations, the accounts said.

Limerick Chamber of Commerce has said the decision to cut rates would save businesses an estimated €4.59m.

It said it would “act as the necessary catalyst” to re-invigorate demand for business premises across the city, and ultimately give a boost to retailers. Source: Irish Independent.